As National Tourism Day 2024 approaches on Jan 25, the spotlight is on a crucial theme that resonates with the global call for environmental consciousness—“Sustainable Journeys, Timeless Memories.” This theme underscores the significance of responsible and mindful travel, encouraging travellers to make eco-friendly choices while creating experiences. In a world increasingly aware of its environmental impact, National Tourism Day 2024 invites us to explore sustainable holidays that contribute positively to the planet. Here's a look at some sustainable holidays in 2024 to sign up for.
Enroll in a private rural tour in Japan that focuses on responsible tourism. Mount Aso in Japan is home to breathtaking natural beauty and a rich cultural heritage. Coexistence with nature and the preservation of the environment rather than its exploitation are hallmarks of Satoyama culture. This is how people have lived in the vicinity of the active volcano Mount Aso, which is a UNESCO Global Geopark. Sign up for a customised private tour, explore the largest active volcano in Japan, go on hikes through rural forests, get a taste of Satoyama culture, eat locally produced traditional regional cuisine, and much more. More details here.
There are more than 200 different Aboriginal tribes in Australia, each with their own culture, who regard all land and animals as sacred, providing them with sustenance and culturally meaningful rites. They express their ancient culture, customs, and values through their art, be it paintings, sculptures, ceramics, wood carvings, and more. A vast world of Aboriginal culture awaits those who want to venture beyond the country's picturesque beaches and bustling towns. Among the world's oldest living cultures, the Aboriginal people of Australia have a history dating back over 50,000 years, and their art forms are among the oldest in existence. Sign up for aboriginal art experiences that allow you to learn about the intriguing culture and tales of Aboriginal people while also supporting outstanding artists. Find more information here.
Enroll in the Eden Slow Tour and spend the whole day riding and having picnics throughout the city with your family. Explore 70km of marked pedestrian trails and the network of cycle paths that let amateurs discover castles, churches, chapels, old houses, and farms. This trail is in the quaint old town of Silly in Western Belgium. Halfway between Lille and Brussels, the municipality is made up of eight villages. More details here.
In Italy, discover the work that goes into the country's famed food culture. Spend a relaxed, wine-paired lunch on a farm just outside the charming city of Verona. In Valpolicella, one of Northern Italy's top wine areas, you'll meet farmers and winemakers who use biodynamic principles to safeguard the soil they grow on. These include looking into their companion planting practices and clean solar energy. More info here.
Brazil's Pantanal is both a Biosphere Reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated in the southwest part of the State of Mato Grosso in western central Brazil, the site encompasses 1.3 per cent of the Pantanal region of Brazil, which is recognised as one of the greatest freshwater wetland ecosystems globally. You will track elusive jaguars in the area, an exercise that helps in conservation. You’ll be guided by a local peõa (cowboy) who will provide insightful knowledge on the natural flora and fauna, bringing you closer to the environment, the wildlife and the indigenous people. To spot the jaguar, you’ll explore the river banks of Porto Jofre, set in the southern region of the Pantanal (Mato Grosso State). More info here.
Sign up for a tour to experience Irish whisky and forage for seaweed. Each year, approximately 40,000 tonnes are collected in Ireland. During your stay, you will learn about the value of seaweed while foraging in the beach village of Caherdaniel. Seaweed is an important part of Ireland's coastal ecosystem and can be included in many traditional Irish foods, particularly stews. You'll get to try some local seaweed in a unique-tasting cup of tea. Find more information here.
